Dec
28
Album Review: Shadows Fall-Retribution
Lest they are totally forgotten two years since the release of their misunderstood major label debut (2007’s “Threads of Life”), Shadows Fall return with a monster of an album to exact retribution on those who let them down the last time. Yet the ride begins on a soft note, as the gentle acoustic intro “The Path To Imminent Ruin” raises our expectations for the bevy of harder tracks to follow. With Jonathan Donais working his acoustic magic to the accompaniment of his comrade-in-arms Matt Bachand, the intro fades into a buzz of pestilential feedback before “My Demise” is cranked open.
What’s evident once Shadows Fall go full steam ahead and Mr. Brian Fair keeps busy barking his heart out again is these guys are still at the top of their game. They also have a predilection for epic numbers that are equal parts thrash and the sum of their 80’s metal influences: note the meandering guitar duel smack dab in the middle of the first song. Heaps of energy arrives on the tightly delivered “Still I Rise,” which joins “What Drives The Weak” and “Redemption” from previous albums as concert staples. It’s a great song with a nice build up and beautiful chorus, showcasing Shadows Fall at their very best—bruising heavy metal that still packs modern rock’s accessibility.
The quintet’s harsher side takes center stage on the savage tandem “War,” that’s arguably the purest no frills thrash tune they’ve ever done, and “King of Nothing” that showcases Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe screaming the bridge to the chorus. Halfway through “Retribution” Shadows Fall’s energy relaxes for the odd anthem “The Taste of Fear” that’s all massive choruses and whale-sized hooks. The same applies to”Picture Perfect”; once again begun by acoustic guitars, it isn’t a power ballad by any stretch of the word, but it does slow down the ride considerably.
Having shown a more contemplative side of themselves with less ferocious tunes, Shadows Fall return to form on the relentless thrasher “A Public Execution” where a very inappropriate chorus guarantees its place in their live set list. Then the curtains come down on this most satisfying heavy metal release with the bare knuckle intensity of “Dead and Gone.” Once it wraps however, a slew of cover songs arrives. An odd touch, but hey, this is Shadows Fall. They’re ALWAYS on top of their game.
-Miguel
